Pasadena Budget: City Council Continues Discussion On 2022 Plan

PASADENA, CA — Budget talks are set to resume for the Pasadena City Council Monday as officials continue to finalize their spending priorities for the 2022 fiscal year.

The city is poised to spend around $897.8 million for its operating budget, with $286.7 million set aside for the general fund. The budget marks a $20 million increase over the 2021 adopted budget after the city took a financial hit brought on by the pandemic-fueled economic downturn, officials said.

However, the proposed budget is still short of the $1.06 billion in spending the city saw prior to COVID-19.

Some of the city’s proposed general fund appropriations include:

• Police department — $84.6 million
• Fire department —$54.6 million
• Parks, recreation and community services — $22.8 million
• Public works — $13.5 million
• Planning and community development — $8.4 million
• Transportation — $5.7 million

The council meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and can be accessed by visiting the city's website.

One priority the City Council hopes to tackle is finding long-term funding for the Rose Bowl after COVID-19 resulted in the venue's closure. At least $10 million is expected be used from the general fund reserves to help partially cover the venue's $12.5 million annual debt service obligation, according to a copy of the proposed budget.

Despite events set to resume at the Rose Bowl after California lifts its coronavirus restrictions next Tuesday, the Rose Bowl Operating Company predicts a $5.4 million to $7.7 million annual gap in revenue over the next five years.

“Continuing to draw down the City’s reserves on an ongoing basis to support the Rose Bowl is not a viable long-term solution, as it would deplete the City’s reserves in just a few short years leaving no financial resources in the event of an emergency or significant economic downturn,” the proposed budget said.

Officials are expected to adopt the finalized budget proposal at its June 21 meeting. A copy of Pasadena's proposed operating budget can be found on the city's website.